Waldorf Auto Repair

One of the most important comfort features in vehicles is the A/C. It's commonly forgotten about until it breaks or you need it urgently. With the press of a button, it starts working and cools or warms up the interior. But how does it exactly work, and what are some common problems? Well, if you continue reading, you will find out exactly that. Below we will explain how it works and a few other important things, so continue reading if you want to learn more. How Does It Work Exactly? Simply put, your A/C has two main mechanisms: one for cooling and the other for heating. Let's start with the cooling mechanism. Of course, it has fans that blow the air into the air ducts, but before that, it goes through a cooling chamber filled with a special liquid. This liquid is also found in some refrigerators, and it works on the same principle. Heating is almost the same, but instead of a cooling chamber, it's a heating one. The heat, however, comes from your vehicl ... read more

Emergencies and accidents on the road happen all the time. But what if you are in one? Are you at least a little bit prepared? If not, continue reading, and you will find out seven must-have emergency items that can come in handy or even save lives. While they are not mandatory by law, it's a great idea to keep them in the trunk; after all, a few extra pounds in the trunk won't cause any harm. First Aid Kit The first thing on our list is the first aid kit. In our opinion, it's a must-have because it can help patch up wounds or even be lifesaving. Inside the kit, everything from plasters to wound disinfectants can be found. It can be purchased in almost all automotive-related shops. Jumper Cables Jumper cables are used to jumpstart a car when its batteries are dead or have no charge. That's their only purpose, but they can really be helpful in certain situations. Make sure you bring a pear everywhere you go. You never know if you or ... read more

Ford is one of the most popular and respected car manufacturers in the world. While they have a reputation for producing reliable and long-lasting vehicles, just like any other manufacturer, Ford vehicles are not immune to issues. In this blog, we will discuss four of the most common issues that Ford vehicles may experience. Transmission Problems One of the most common issues in Ford vehicles is related to transmission. Many Ford owners have reported transmission problems such as twitching or slipping when shifting gears, delayed or rough shifting, and complete transmission failure. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including low fluid levels, faulty solenoids, or a worn-out clutch. Electrical Issues Electrical problems are also common in Ford vehicles. Some owners have reported issues with the electrical system, such as the battery not holding a charge or the alternator failing. Other common ones are faulty sensors, malfunctioning ... read more

Engines and their components go through a lot of stress, and they are bound to break. The timing belt is a part that does a very important job. It ensures that your engine has the right timing for injecting fuel mixed with air and giving it a spark. If the timing belt snaps it can lead to very serious problems. How To Determine If Your Timing Belt Has Broken Knowing the difference between a timing belt that is working as intended and a broken one can save you a lot of trouble and money. Some of them can be noticed immediately and others can pass undetected. These are three of the most common signs that your belt has broken or is on its way out. Engine Is Failing To Start The most obvious of them all is a failing start. Due to the difference in fuel injection and ignition, an explosion can’t be formed inside your engine. This issue can’t be fixed on its own or with home supplies. A professional is required in order to set the right timing, which is a very precise task. O ... read more

It can be scary when you see the check engine light coming on. Maybe you do know why. But most of the time, you likely have no clue why it's coming on because it can be a number of things. Here's what they could be below so you know what to look for! Check the owner's manual: Your owner's manual should have information on what the check engine light means and what you should do. Check the fuel cap: If the fuel cap is loose or damaged, it can trigger the check engine light. Tighten the fuel cap or replace it if necessary. Check for other warning lights: If there are other warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, such as the oil pressure light or temperature gauge, address those issues first. Check for any obvious issues: Look for any visible problems, such as a damaged hose or low fluid levels. Get a diagnostic scan: If you can't find the cause of the problem, take your vehicle to a mechanic or a dealership for a diagnostic scan. The scan will identify any ... read more

The busiest time of the year is once again here, with many families traveling for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and eventually New Years. Whether you are traveling a short distance or long distance for the holidays, it is essential to keep you and your loved ones’ safety in mind. With horrible traffic jams, reckless drivers, and occasional bad weather sprinkled in there, things can get hectic.  To combat these road conditions, we recommend bringing your vehicle to Cottman of Waldorf for some freshening up. What’s worse than sitting in traffic? Being the cause of the traffic jam because of a breakdown, of course! Below are some key maintenance items you should take care of this season: Oil Change Battery Test Tire Pressure Check  Tire Rotations Windshield Wiper Replacement Heater and Defrosters Run … and so many more! Besides some seasonal maintenance, make sure you follow these driving tips to reach your parent’s house or grandparent’s house ... read more

If you've ever been in your car and smelled something strange, you're not alone; but do you know what that smell is? It's probably something minor, but it could also be a sign of a bigger problem. In this blog post, we'll discuss the most common smells that drivers experience in their vehicles and what they can indicate. Keep in mind that if you're experiencing a strange smell, it's always best to have your car inspected by a professional auto repair shop! Unusual Vehicle Smells Here are some of the most common unusual vehicle smells and what they can indicate: Burning Oil Smell - If you notice a burning oil smell, it's probably due to an oil leak. Oil leaks are common in older vehicles, but can happen in new cars too. If you see smoke coming from under the hood or notice that your oil light is on, pull over and call a tow truck - you'll need to have your car taken to an auto repair shop right away. Sweet Smell - If your car smells ... read more

One way of telling if you are experiencing car shudder as you drive is if you can feel a vibration through your brake pedal or steering wheel. This phenomenon is caused by the friction within the disc brake system causing a difficulty that creates the vibration every time you step on the brake pedal. This article offers a detailed discussion on why your car vibrates wen you brake. Simply put, how brake shudder or vibration occurs. Brakes versus Steering Wheel Vibrations A brake shudder mostly occurs when you apply breaks on high speeds. While the vibration can be mild or sometimes violent, it is crucial that you do not ignore it once you sense it as it could be an indicator of a variety of aspects. For one, the shudder could mean the rotors and the calipers are damaged, or your brake pads need replacing. The vibrations on your steering wheel are often as a result of damaged from rotors and that of the brake pedal means there is an issue with the rare rotors. How the Vibration Occur ... read more

Now that summer is winding down, it is the perfect time to inspect your car battery. Sure enough, your battery has battled the heat throughout the summer. But if you know a thing or two about car batteries, they do not mix well with heat – it can cause corrosion.    Corrosion occurs when the battery acid leaks and reacts with the metal connection points. It is expected as a part of wear and tear. However, corrosion can be accelerated from the heat. Fortunately, it is simple to clean up minor decay. If you have larger clumps of corrosion, it may be too late to save your battery. When left on there long enough, the corrosion will block out the electrical charges that are supposed to flow in and out of the battery. As a result, you won’t be able to start your car. Batteries tend to last 3-5 years. With proper maintenance and good habits, you can extend the wear on your car battery.    Inspecting your car is an easy process. We recommend getting familiar ... read more

Air cabin filters are designed to filter and remove contaminants such as dust and pollen from the air you breathe inside your car. These components keep a stream of fresh air flowing so that you and your loved ones can breathe easily and travel comfortably. But with time, your vehicle's air cabin filters might be clogged by harmful contaminants, after which they will no longer serve their purpose. Once you begin to notice an unusual and unpleasant odor emanating from your ventilation system, it might be time to replace your air cabin filters. Other signs include: • Excessive noise when your vehicle's HVAC system is running • Reduced airflow in the passenger compartment • An unusual whistling sound emanating from the cabin air ducts • Unpleasant odor in your vehicle cabin So, Why Replace your Cabin Air Filters? Health and Comfort Your vehicle's air cabin filter is the only thing between you and the air flowing inside your car. This means it will tra ... read more